Description

Industrial designers develop a wide spectrum of design solutions that meet current demands and anticipate the future needs of society. Their designs must incorporate the effective use of materials and technology, allow for manufacturing constraints, and provide a clear advantage to existing solutions.

The five-year program in industrial and interaction design, which leads to the professional degree, bachelor of industrial design (B.I.D.), is noted for combining theory and practice, taking a process-oriented approach, and focusing on social and environmental responsibility. It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and exceeds the educational minimums recommended by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). The program consists of courses in design theory and practice, as well as support courses in the humanities, the physical and natural sciences, and the behavioral and social sciences. The responsive curriculum maintains a balance between technical, aesthetic, and humanistic aspects and keeps pace with the leading edge of design technology by anticipating developments in the field.

Students in the program participate in collaborative projects with business, industry, and government agencies, challenging students with real-life design problems. Industrial and interaction design students have an active chapter of the IDSA, which plans lecture programs, organizes field trips to consultant and corporate design offices, and participates in regional and national meetings of the society.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate effective research skills and techniques to support and guide their design work

2. Articulate the theoretical context and historical influences for their work as designers

3. Demonstrate in their design work knowledge of a range of appropriate materials and manufacturing processes used in batch and mass manufacturing

4. Articulate the philosophical and ethical implications of design activity on society, culture, the environment, and professional practice

5. Apply a broad and deep knowledge of human factors in their design solutions specifically an understanding of semiotics, ergonomics, and the design of interfaces, systems and services

6. Communicate their design intent in a professional manner across a broad range of analogue and digital media as well as in verbal and written forms

Academic Requirements: 6 credits

Academic Electives: 21 credits

Academic electives are most courses offered outside of art, design, or transmedia (for example, courses offered in CRS, Arts and Sciences, Whitman, and other colleges outside of VPA). These academic courses usually have non-art-related content, such as math, natural sciences, astronomy, global history, political science, psychology, and entrepreneurship, and languages at the 100-level, among others. You can find a comprehensive list of approved academic electives here.

Studio Electives: 24 credits

Studio electives are courses usually offered in VPA through art, design, or transmedia. The content of the courses directly relates to the preparation of students for professional careers in art, design, and transmedia. The course content includes, but is not limited to, conceptualization, process, product, and critique of creative work in studio practice. These courses meet for a much longer time, for a minimum of four hours per week for the duration of the semester. Usual meeting patterns are: the class meets once per week for four+ hours, or the class meets twice per week, usually for two or more hours each. You can find a comprehensive list of courses that count as studio electives here.

Free Electives 9 credits

Students can choose any course offered at SU, including but not limited to academic and/or studio courses.

Study Abroad

Pending a successful application and meeting program requirements, students may be eligible to spend a semester of their fourth year abroad at the SU Center in London, UK, or in Florence, Italy. Please refer to the SUAbroad website for eligibility and application criteria.